The Welsh Conservatives have criticised First Minister Carwyn Jones for not using Cardiff Airport when flying to three American cities on a trade mission to “sell Wales to the world like never before”.

On Monday Mr Jones flew from Heathrow to Atlanta to meet political and business leaders. Later he will 'remarkable travel on to Cincinnati and Chicago.

'Remarkable decision'

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “The First Minister says that it’s time to sell Wales to the world like never before, and yet once again he has opted not to use the international airport his government owns.

“It’s a remarkable decision and sends a dreadful message to potential investors, and indeed the wider public.

Cardiff Airport departures

“The excuse that there are no direct flights to America doesn’t wash either; flying from London isn’t direct when it first entails a two-and-a-half hour drive to London.

“Having a viable, recognised international airport could be hugely influential in raising Wales’ international profile, yet sadly Carwyn seems to prefer Heathrow Airport to the one his government has spent tens of millions of pounds on.”

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Welsh Conservative economy and transport spokesman Russell George said: “The Welsh Government funds regular promotional campaigns at Cardiff Airport highlighting its links with North America, via Amsterdam or Dublin, and yet the man who technically owns the airport refuses to use it.

“If Carwyn Jones won’t support the airport he purchased what hope do taxpayers have of getting a return on their investment?

“This was a missed opportunity to highlight Cardiff’s connectivity with the rest of the world, and taxpayers will want reassurances that the First Minister isn’t giving more of their money to rival airports just to avoid a little bit of extra waiting time – or to boost his First Class air miles.”

'I will make a statement upon my return'

In response to a Written Assembly Question Mr Jones said: “I will fly from London Heathrow. The full cost of the visit will not be known until after it has been completed.

“The costs of all Ministerial overseas visits costing more than £500 are published annually.

“On my return I will make a statement about the visit, including information on the engagements I will have undertaken.”

Cardiff Airport

A spokesman for the First Minister said: “This is silly, hypocritical guff from the Tories.

“International visits by the First Minister are seriously time-limited, and therefore direct flights are often essential. Unlike the previous Tory Prime Minister, we haven’t bought a private airliner costing over £10m.

“However, we are delighted that the Welsh Tories now seem interested in an airport they once wanted to see go to the wall.

“Cardiff is the UK’s fastest growing airport, with the rolling total of passengers numbering 1,326,923 – this represents 29% passenger growth over the last 12 months. Had the Tories been in Government that number would be zero.”